Starting a podcast

[Arlanymor]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to start this conversation, I did look at sub topics but couldn’t find one that really matched!

I’m starting a monthly podcast in June, it’s unchartered territory for me and is a passion project (though I wouldn’t cry if it turned into a side hustle with a bit of passive income!) I was just wondering if anyone had been on a similar journey really? I‘ve bought a good mic kit, will have no problems with scripting and promoting (I work in comms for a living). I guess I am more thinking about whether there are obvious pitfalls that I haven’t considered, but as I am not selling the shirt off my back to do it then I guess learning as I go isn’t a bad way to get things started?

good luck!! Friends of mine recently started a podcast and oh my god it’s awful, they record it in the shop they work in and there is traffic noise rumbling by, the conversation quickly falls into monologue from one of them I loved their concept but the execution is terrible, and yes I’ve told them 1- the lorry going past was distracting and 2- the conversation went massively off topic when Jean started talking about her weekly shop in a podcast about fashion trends

so I guess what I’m saying is consider your location and keep on topic!

Oh your post made me giggle! I also want to listen to their podcast now to hear it for myself! But all really helpful observations, thank you. The mic was a good investment I think and it has good twiddly bits to help block out errant lorry sounds (I live on a cobbled street too, so there would be lots of lumpy bumpy sounds!) and I am definitely going to script the majority of it so hopefully I won’t veer too far off course. Thanks for the lovely good wishes!

TBH most new successful podcasts these days are from people who already have a big following on social media already, and/or are under a big podcast publishing house. Me and DH have a fab idea for a podcast but won’t do it because it’s a lot of work and no one will listen.

Have a good and consistent format to your episodes, eg with different segments.
Stay on track.
You need more than just a mic IMO - look up basic/homemade sound booths.

Do you have a co-host? Makes things far more fun to listen to (although I do love Katherine Ryan)

I totally get what you are saying, but as this is a passion project and I’m not actively seeking to make money from it, I think I can just give it my best and see what ensues. But again, totally get what you are saying. I am also fairly good at the promo side of life, I write press releases etc. for a living, so I think I will have a good stab at gaining a following through that skill.

Also yes there are different segments - about six for a one hour show. The mic is a really top notch one and I have a spare room where noise doesn’t reach, so hoping it will be a high fidelity recording. I need to trial it though, that’s a fair point.

No co-host but guests, so it’s not just me wittering on!

What is the topic of your podcast? I love listening to them!

Aww thanks for asking - Weird Wales!

So not just ghosts, folklore and supernatural things, but things that are generally weird in and about Wales. Like a gravestone in Scurlage that has a space left on it for the name of a murderer! Quirky and intriguing information from this little corner of the world! Have designed a logo and am in the process of setting up social media and finalising the scripts for the first few episodes.